UCC formalises partnership with the University of Maryland
(Left to Right): Dr Patrick O'Shea, University of Maryland, and Dr Michael Murphy, President of University College Cork, sign a formal partnership agreement
(Left to Right): Dr Patrick O'Shea, University of Maryland, and Dr Michael Murphy, President of University College Cork, sign a formal partnership agreement
The relationship was formalised in the course of a visit to UCC on 30 August by a delegation from Maryland, led by Secretary of State of Maryland, Mr. John McDonough. The Memorandum of Understanding between UCC and the University of Maryland was signed by UCC President, Dr. Michael Murphy, and the Vice President and Chief Research Officer at the University of Maryland, Professor Pat O’ Shea, a UCC Physics graduate.
The Memorandum of Agreement will provide for student and staff exchange and research collaboration in areas that include ICT, Physics, Engineering, Energy, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Business. As the agreement also provides for an exchange of students in the area of Sport, the delegation visited the Mardyke Arena where they were treated to a demonstration of hockey and soccer by UCC students and were also invited to test their hurling skills by UCC’s GAA Development Officer, John Grainger.
Commenting on the establishment of the relationship with the University of Maryland, Dr. Michael Murphy, President of UCC said:
“I am delighted to announce this formal expression of collaboration between UCC and the University of Maryland. We look forward to developing significant links in key areas which will bring benefits, not only to the universities themselves, but to the Cork region and the State of Maryland.”
Prof. O’ Shea remarked on the similar range of research strengths in both universities and spoke in particular of the value of blending economic development initiatives with education and research priorities. “I’m proud of my association with these two fine universities, both of which have their roots in the mid nineteenth century. This new agreement provides for a transatlantic cooperation that will meet the many challenges of the twenty-first century.”
The visit to UCC was part of a three-day visit to Cork by the Maryland delegation which was co-hosted by UCC, Cork County Council, and Cork City Council.